Football betting enthusiasts at bet365 Sport often find themselves choosing between two intriguing markets: the Each Way First Goalscorer and the Anytime Goalscorer bets.
While both options involve backing a player to score, they operate under distinct rules and offer varying levels of risk and reward.
Let’s break down these two betting types to show the similarities and differences between the two bets,, using examples and comparisons.
But I thought Each Way First Goalscorer and Anytime Goalscorer bets were the same thing?
That’s a common mistake people make. The bets are very similar, but there is a crucial difference between them in terms of the stakes and how winnings are calculated based on each bet.
We will explore these differences in the Bet Type Breakdown section below.
Bet Type Breakdown
1. Each Way First Goalscorer Bet:
* Concept: This bet is a combination of two wagers:
* First Goalscorer: Predicts that your chosen player will score the first goal.
* Each Way Component: Covers the possibility that the player scores any goal other than the first goal in the match, at reduced odds. (Usually around ⅓ of the stated odds).
* Cost: Your stake is split between these two bets, effectively doubling your initial outlay. So for a £10 unit stake, this bet would cost you £20.
* Payout: If your player scores first, you win both parts of the bet. If they score later, you only win the Each Way portion.
Example Scenario:
You place a £10 Each Way First Goalscorer bet on a player with 10/1 odds. Your total stake is £20. If the player scores first, your total payout could be substantial. If they score any other goal but not the first goal of the game, you still earn a profit, albeit smaller.
However, if the odds on your selection to score first are shorter than 3/1, then your returns from the each way part of the bet may not guarantee a profit and you may incur a loss on the bet.
2. Anytime Goalscorer Bet:
* Concept: A straightforward bet that your chosen player will score at any point during the match.
* Cost: A single unit stake covers this bet.
* Payout: If the player scores, you win. Timing doesn’t matter—first, last, or anywhere in between.
Example Scenario:
You wager £10 on a player at 11/4 odds. If that player finds the net at any time, your bet wins.
Key Differences and Strategic Considerations
1. Structure:
* Each Way First Goalscorer: A two-part bet with the potential for higher returns.
* Anytime Goalscorer: A single, simpler bet with a lower risk profile.
2. Payout Potential:
* Each Way First Goalscorer: Potentially higher earnings if your player scores first, with a safety net if they score later.
* Anytime Goalscorer: More consistent, though typically smaller, returns.
3. Risk vs. Reward:
* Each Way First Goalscorer: Higher risk due to the reliance on scoring first, but the Each Way portion provides some cover.
* Anytime Goalscorer: Lower risk, as any goal by your player secures a win.
The best way to illustrate the differences between the Anytime Goalscorer and Each Way First Goalscorer bet is to use an example from the real world which we have done in the section below.
Anytime & Each Each Way First Goalscorer Bet Examples: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) vs. Liverpool
To illustrate the practical differences, let’s imagine you want to place a £10 bet on Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford to score in a match against Liverpool.
However, you cannot decide whether to back him as an Anytime Goalscorer or Each Way First Goalscorer betting option.
At the time of writing, Rashford was odds of 9/1 (10.00) to score first in the game and 11/4 (3.75) to score at any time.
Here’s how the different bets would work out in terms of returns and stakes.
Example 1: Anytime Goalscorer Bet – Marcus Rashford vs Liverpool
- Stake: £10
- Odds: 11/4 (3.75)
- Maximum Potential Return: £37.50
- Outcome 1: If Rashford scores at any time, you win £37.50.
- Outcome 2: If Rashford fails to score, you lose the bet.
- Outcome 3: If Rashford doesn’t start the game and you tick the relevant box on your bet slip, your bet will be voided and your £10 stake returned to you.
Example 2: Each Way First Goalscorer Bet – Marcus Rashford vs Liverpool
- Stakes: £5 on First Goalscorer + £5 on Anytime (Each Way) – £10 total.
- Odds: 9/1 to be First Goalscorer; ⅓ odds to be an Anytime Goalscorer – 3/1
- Maximum Potential Return: £70,00
- Outcome 1: Rashford scores first—You win both parts, returning £70.00.
- Outcome 2: Rashford scores later—You win the Each Way portion, returning £20.00.
- Outcome 3: Rashford fails to score—You lose both parts of the bet.
- Outcome 4: If Rashford doesn’t start the game and you tick the relevant box on your bet slip, your bet will be voided and your £10 stake returned to you.
Considerations For Each Bet Type
Let’s now take a look at some of the main considerations to make for each bet type!
To broadly summarise you should use: –
- Each Way First Goalscorer: Ideal if you have a strong feeling that a specific player will score first but want some protection if they don’t.
- Anytime Goalscorer: Best for a more conservative approach, where you believe a player will score but aren’t certain about them scoring the opening goal of the game.
Other tips to follow when using either of the two bet types include:
- It is always a good idea to research your bets.
- Always select the Void if player doesn’t start option on your bet slip. It is too much of a disadvantage to run the bet with the player not on the pitch at the start of the game. Especially if you are going with the Each Way First Goalscorer bet.
- Compare the potential payouts for the two based on the player you want to back. It may be financially more prudent to go with one bet over the other. For example, if the difference between the Each Way part of the Each Way First Goalscorer bet is similar in value to the Anytime Goalscorer payout. In this case, it makes more sense to go with the Each Way First Goalscorer option as the return will be similar for the Each Way part of the bet, but you have the added chance of a larger return if the player scores first.
Final Thoughts
Selecting between these two betting options at bet365 Sport requires a clear understanding of your confidence in a player’s performance and your risk tolerance.
Each Way First Goalscorer bets offer potentially higher returns with added complexity, while Anytime Goalscorer bets provide a straightforward, lower-risk opportunity.
Choosing wisely between these two markets can be key in maximising your returns. There is no hard and fast rule regarding which is the better option.
That is your decision! And a little research ahead of making the bet can help you make the informed choice as to which of the two markets to bet on for your goalscorer bet!
Always remember to gamble responsibly. Check out bet365’s Safer Gambling page for more details.
UPDATED ON FRIDAY 30th AUGUST 2024